Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Jacksonville) Program

The Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Mayo Clinic's campus in Jacksonville, Florida, is a comprehensive three-year program aimed at providing advanced training for fellows seeking certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine in both pulmonary disease and critical care medicine. This program is structured to not only impart medical knowledge but also to develop future leaders in the fields of medicine, education, and clinical research.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The fellowship includes core clinical rotations along with opportunities for clinical research and elective experiences. Core training consists of:

• Inpatient and outpatient pulmonary consultation
• Critical care medicine
• End-stage lung disease management, including lung transplantation and lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS)
• Thoracic radiology and pathology
• Echocardiography and thoracic ultrasonography
• Sleep medicine
• Pulmonary function testing, physiology, and exercise testing
• Flexible bronchoscopy, encompassing bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), transbronchial biopsy (TBBX), transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA), and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
• Continuity specialty clinic
• Engagement in research and quality improvement projects

Elective opportunities facilitate individualized training paths tailored to each fellow’s career aspirations, including specialized experiences in related disciplines such as thoracic surgery, otorhinolaryngology, pathology, allergy, and radiology. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of research in medical education, requiring fellows to engage in clinical research projects culminating in peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national conferences 1.

Training Environment and Facilities

Mayo Clinic's fellowship training is supported by robust facilities, including advanced simulation centers for enhancing clinical skills and procedural proficiency. The program fosters a collaborative environment where fellows can participate as integral members of multidisciplinary teams, managing critical care for complex cases, with added training in critical care sonography, percutaneous tracheostomy, and ECMO. This design not only enhances fellows' clinical expertise but also promotes personal growth and wellness through supportive resources available on campus 1.

Research Opportunities

A significant focus of the fellowship is research and quality improvement. Fellows are strongly encouraged to involve themselves in projects leading to scholarly output. Mayo Clinic has a rich infrastructure supporting clinical and translational research, and fellows are expected to contribute to these efforts, fostering an environment where excellence in research is nurtured. Institutional support is provided for presenting findings at various esteemed national conferences 3.

Faculty and Mentorship

The program features a distinguished faculty comprising 10 board-certified pulmonologists and 17 specialized intensivists. Faculty are actively involved in training and bring a wealth of experience, with many recognized for their contributions to the field. Each fellow is assigned a faculty advisor to offer educational guidance and personal mentorship, aiding in both professional and personal development 2. The program also invites prominent visiting professors, enhancing learning through exposure to diverse perspectives and expertise 4.

Application Process

The fellowship has two competitive positions available annually. To qualify, applicants must have completed an accredited internal medicine residency. The application process is facilitated through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), requiring a letter from the internal medicine residency program director and at least two additional letters of recommendation. Interviews are selectively conducted based on the applicants' credentials and performance during the interview process. The program encourages a diverse applicant pool, including those who are DO or IMG friendly, although specific requirements regarding attempted STEP exams or graduation year may be imposed 2. Additionally, the program provides visa sponsorship, accommodating international medical graduates seeking training opportunities in the United States.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The fellowship's competitive nature attracts numerous qualified applicants each year. Its welcoming stance toward DO and IMG candidates signifies a commitment to enhancing diversity within the medical field, creating a balanced and inclusive training environment that uplifts aspiring fellows from varied backgrounds 2.

In summary, the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Mayo Clinic's Jacksonville campus presents an enriching training experience characterized by comprehensive clinical exposure, robust research opportunities, supportive mentorship, and an emphasis on wellness and professional development.